The Spanish capital is known sunny days all year, classic Spanish cuisine and rich, interesting history. With this history comes tons of museums to explore while on vacation. It can be hard to decide which ones to pencil in, so we made a list for you. Here are the seven best museums in Madrid.
The Best Museums In Madrid
1. Museo Del Prado
Firstly we have the Museo Del Prado. Madrid’s Prado is one of the world’s most important and influential museums. Wander the centuries of European art with wonders like Velazquez’s Las Meninas and Bosch’s The Garden Of Earthly Delights. We recommend carving out an entire morning and afternoon due to the sheer size of Prado.
2. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Named after Spain’s current queen, the Reina Sofia museum is housed in a centuries-old hospital and features a wide array of art. The best collections are from the 20th century and is home to one of Picasso’s most famous works. Here you will find his 1937 Guernica which he created in response to the bombing of the town with the same name. After you check out Guernica, be sure to head to see Salvador Dali’s work.
3. Royal Palace
This beautiful Baroque masterpiece is impossible to miss. Home to Madrid’s monarchs from the 18th-20th century, it now functions as a museum. With your ticket, you gain admission to the 3,418 (yes, three thousand four hundred and eighteen!) room palace and access to the grounds. Be sure to walk the palace circuit which includes the Throne Room and Porcelain Room.
4. National Museum of Romanticism
The National Museum of Romanticism is a wonderful dedication to Spain’s Romance Era. Here you’ll find an array of rare furniture, paintings by Francisco Goya and precious jewels. Famously, the pistol used by Mariano Jose de Larra’s to commit suicide is on display. If you want to see a wide range of curious objects, this is the place to go. You never know what you might spot…
5. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
This amazing museum has a huge collection of European art with collections from the Italian Renaissance, French Impressionist era and 19th-century American works. Here, you will also find some of Madrid’s most valuable pieces from the Medieval era. The impressive collection is on loan to Spain by the Thyssen-Bornemisza family, who are dedicated to the preservation of their art and European culture.
6. National Archaeological Museum
Queen Isabella II spearheaded the development of the National Archaeological Museum. So, it goes without saying that there’s some amazing things to see her. A wide range of pre-historic collections from the Iberian peninsula and several ethnographic pieces, this museum is a must-see for ancient history buffs. This museum is also home to La Dame de Elche, the mysterious bust of a pre-historic Iberian woman.
7. Museo de America
Last but not least is Museo de America. Fans of colonial history will really enjoy this museum. Here you will find a world-famous collection of the Americas during the Spanish conquests. Over 25,000 pieces bring together are broken up into five different areas… Religion, social life, communication, archaeological, ethnographical and colonial.
It’s a must-see for any history lover in Madrid.
